Julian regarded her for a long moment but did not allow triumph to show on his face.
"In the dual cultivation method I inherited," he said, "there are three points of vital intimate contact. Each one deepens the circuit and allows the mana to reach places that ordinary exchange cannot."
He paused, letting the silence do its talk.
"The first is the lips."
Clara's cheeks warmed further. The image formed too easily: his mouth on hers while the river of pure mana continued to flow. She looked away for half a second before forcing her gaze back.
Julian continued without rushing.
"The second is the breast."
The word landed heavier. Clara felt a distinct flutter low in her stomach. Her arms shifted slightly, as if some instinct wanted to cover herself even though she remained fully dressed. The idea of his hands moving from her shoulders to that more private place while their energies intertwined sent a fresh wave of conflicted heat through her body.
